Riley announces candidacy for Mayor

Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Caraway Fire Chief Barry Riley announced he will run as a candidate for mayor of the city of Caraway. Riley has been an actively involved resident for the past 14 years. Joining the fire department in 1992, he was instrumental in lowering the insurance ratings in 1997 and worked his way up the ranks to position as chief in July 2004. During his tenure as chief, Riley has taken a $2,000 year equipment budget, and through grants and other government programs, has purchased over $300,000 worth of equipment, including two new fire trucks, at a cost of $9,000 to the city.

During the past few years Riley has taken classes through the Arkansas Fire Academy and has become a Firefighter 1. He has taken classes in fire supervision and leadership, and has taken several courses in incident command. He has logged almost 300 hours of training to better himself and his community.

For the past 12 years, Riley has also been an EMT for the Caraway Volunteer Ambulance Service, one of the few volunteer ambulance services in the state. He said, "There is nothing more prideful than working for the ambulance service." During his time as an EMT, he worked with area lawmakers and secured $75,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance. He also worked with a local company and had a truck donated which is used as a rescue truck.

He is an experienced storm spotter and worked with local officials to purchase a tornado siren for the city.

He has been on the city council for two years.

He was also given a "Community Service Award in 1997," was "Person of the Year" in 2004, and in that same year was a finalist for a community service award in Cleveland, Ohio.

Riley believes the experience he has gained being a community leader, coupled with his many of hours of training, has given him the skills and the leadership necessary to fulfill the seat of mayor.

If elected mayor, I am looking forward to working with the department heads, city council, and the citizens of Caraway toward progress and improvements of our city.

Riley, 42, has been married for 21 years to his wife Wendy, and has a daughter, Toni. He is the son of Bill and Joanne Riley. He is a graduate of Caraway High School and has been employed by American Greetings for 24 years.